Researchers in Amsterdam unravel the mechanism behind how exercise can reverse the ageing process

A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC) has revealed that exercise can help reverse the ageing process by stopping the build-up of specific lipids in the body’s tissues.

Published in the journal Nature Aging, the study found that the presence of certain lipids indicates tissue ageing, which can be decreased through regular exercise. This discovery challenges the common belief that ageing is an inevitable part of life.

Professor Riekelt Houtkooper from Amsterdam UMC’s laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases expressed, “The idea that we could reverse ageing is something that was long considered science fiction, but these findings do allow us to understand a lot more about the ageing process.” Assistant Professor Georges Janssens added, “By understanding more about the ageing process, we can also look into new ways of intervening.”

The team studied both humans and mice to investigate how the composition of fats affects various tissues in the body. They discovered that a type of lipid called bis (monoacylglycero) phosphates (BMPs) was elevated in older animals’ tissues. However, after one hour of daily exercise, the level of BMPs decreased, highlighting the importance of physical activity in combating ageing.

While the results are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the role of exercise in reversing the ageing process. This study opens up new possibilities for interventions that could potentially change the way we approach ageing in the future.